Introducing your little bundle of joy to solids is a major milestone. First impressions last, so with the best baby food, you can ensure that the very first bite is delicious and nutritious. Baby foods are the first step in your baby's solid food journey until he or she is ready for table foods. They are either soft or pureed for easy consumption. They are also a huge help for on-the-go parents as they save time and effort in preparing.
Additionally, since they come in portable containers, you can include them in your baby's survival kit in case of emergencies or when you need to travel. We've provided a buying guide and a list of yummy and healthy baby foods you can buy online. As parents, the learning process never ends, so for this article, we asked Dr. Cristal Ann Laquindanum-Tan, a board-certified pediatrician, for some of her comments and tips!
Cristal Ann Laquindanum-Tan, MD, MBA, DPPS, is a board-certified pediatrician, particularly interested in nutrition, especially guiding first-time parents on how to start solid food for their babies. She posts health information content in her Instagram and Facebook account @millennialpedia. Most of her followers are millennial parents and first-time parents. Since almost everyone is using social media already, why not make health information accessible to parents, right? She's a practicing pediatrician in Metro Manila doing home vaccinations and teleconsultation during this pandemic.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Stage labels can help parents determine the right type of baby food they can give to their little ones. Also, these indicate which type of food the baby is ready to eat or consume at his or her age.
Stage 1 foods are for babies that are 4 to 6 months old. These foods have a thin and drippy consistency which allows the baby to eat without the need for chewing. Also, its texture isn't too thick and is similar to breast milk or baby formula as they're slowly switching from it.
It comes with a finely-pureed single ingredient, usually vegetable or fruit. It is recommended for babies who are in the process of learning to open their mouths for spoon-feeding and those who are learning to swallow without choking.
Stage 2 foods are ideal for babies that are 7 to 8 months old. If your baby has been eating stage 1 foods without spitting them out, you can take this as a sign to move up to Stage 2 foods.
These have a slightly thicker texture than stage 1 foods and contain a combination of two to three ingredients to create a whole new flavor. Some flavors include banana and bean, carrot, apple, sweet potato, and more.
Stage 3 foods are soft chunks or a larger portion of finger foods for 9 to 12 month-old babies. This is the stage where parents prepare babies to eat table foods that the rest of the family is eating by teaching them to chew with their gums or baby teeth.
To determine if your baby is ready for stage 3, place a portion of finger food on the table then observe if your baby can pick it up and bring it to his or her mouth using his or her fingers and thumb. If your baby can bite it without struggling, then you can start giving your baby stage 3 foods, but always watch and guide them while eating to ensure safety.
To make sure that your baby is going to eat safe and healthy food, opt for those that are organically made and have all-natural ingredients. Organic baby foods are those that contain organic crops that are grown without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Meanwhile, all-natural baby foods do not contain preservatives and thickeners that could affect your baby's health. Most baby foods do not contain allergens such as peanuts, eggs, and shellfish. Still, make sure that they do not contain any ingredients that your baby is allergic to.
Also, avoid sugary foods as these can develop your baby's sweet tooth and later on and lead to obesity and other health issues. In addition to that, avoid foods that are high in sodium since your baby's kidneys are not yet strong enough to process a high amount of salt.
The real challenge in buying baby food is figuring out what will click with your baby's taste or preference, so giving your baby a variety of flavors will make feeding time easier. Also, this will be a huge help in preventing your baby from becoming a picky eater as he or she will become familiar with a wide variety of tastes at an early age.
Most of the baby foods in the market are fruit and vegetable-flavored. The most common fruit flavors are apple and banana. Both contain potassium, vitamin B6, and C which are good for your baby's heart and digestive system.
For vegetables, carrots and sweet potatoes are the most common ones. They are both rich in vitamin A, C, potassium, calcium, and iron which support your baby's immune system and eye health.
There are also a few meat purees offered in the market such as chicken and beef purees. They are a good source of protein to strengthen your baby's bones and muscles.
It might take a bit of trial and error to satisfy your baby's taste buds, so getting more flavor options would be practical. Fortunately, some brands offer three to five flavors of baby food in bulk which is a great option when exploring different flavors.
Making an appointment with your baby's pediatrician is not required before you introduce your little one to solids. A basic gesture like leaning forward when food is offered or showing interest when seeing someone eat indicates that your baby is ready.
However, since each baby is different, consulting with your baby's pediatrician is important to ensure that your little one is getting the right nutrition from his or her food, especially when he or she is lacking in some nutrients. Also, your baby's pediatrician can suggest the best baby food that will fit your child's needs.
When it comes to baby food, Cerelac is one of the most trusted and widely known brands for Filipino parents. Instead of plain rice porridge, why not give your baby a yummy cereal-based meal and try this one from Cerelac?
With this, your baby might be able to finish an entire bowl as it comes in a tasty wheat and banana flavor. This can be a good partner for your baby's health and growth as it is packed with lots of nutrients such as Iron, Vitamin A, B1, and C, Iodine, Omega 3, and Probiotics.
It is made with carefully selected grains and wheat, which undergo over a hundred quality and safety checks. Also, it does not contain artificial colors and preservatives for your baby's delicate tummy.
They are neither too soft nor too crunchy, and they come in a perfect size for your baby's little fingers. It contains iron, calcium, and vitamin B1, plus it does not contain salt, sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives so that your baby can digest it safely.
Also, it is low in fat as it is baked and not fried. If you want to experiment and make your baby love it more, you can try putting it on milk and add fresh fruits for an enhanced taste and texture.
Gerber is one of the most recognizable brands for baby foods as they provide high-quality and nutritional products. This classic banana puree from Gerber is made with non-GMO, organic ingredients that are produced using their Clean Field Farming practices to ensure that their products are safe and nutritious to consume.
Its texture is finely pureed, perfect for babies who are trying solids for the first time. Plus, it does not have sugars and preservatives. Also, many reviews say that it smells, tastes, and looks like real bananas, which is the reason why many babies love it. It comes in a resealable jar to maintain its freshness for the next eating sessions.
Happy Baby's Superfood Puffs are another great organic baby food option for your little one. They dissolve quickly in the mouth, releasing a burst of flavor with every bite. Offered in many unique flavors, it helps your baby appreciate and accept different tastes which can prevent him or her from developing picky eating habits.
They are gluten, soy, corn, and dairy-free, perfect for babies who have dietary restrictions. It contains choline, a nutrient similar to vitamin B, that increases brain cell function and overall brain development. Also, it is USDA-certified which means that it is made with organic ingredients.
Happy Baby's Organic Greek Yogis is a gluten-free snack loaded with wholesome benefits for your baby's health. It is made with a yogurt culture, which means that it provides healthy bacteria for your little one's digestive tract, while it also has protein that supports your baby's growth and development.
They come in freeze-dried organic yogurt drops, which have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that your baby will surely enjoy. Also, it is made from delicious strawberries and bananasーtruly a delightful treat for your growing bub!
With this, you can have peace of mind that your baby is eating safe food as it does not contain any gelatin or artificial flavors. Also, it is labeled as Non-BPA, Certified Organic by CCOF, and Certified USDA Organic.
If you're looking for a simple rice meal for your baby, Organix's Baby Rice is the best option! Its texture is very similar to porridge: light, fluffy, and deliciously creamy. It does not contain gluten, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors, and additional salt and sugar.
Plus, it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans since it does not contain any animal-based ingredients. The good thing about this baby food is that you can explore, experiment, and be creative with it by adding your preferred organic fruit or vegetable purees. You can even add your baby's milk to make it tastier!
Is your baby starting to look and ask for biscuits? Organix' Animal Farm Biscuits are the perfect ones to satisfy your baby's biscuit cravings. It is a safer and healthier option compared to common biscuits in the market as they are made especially for little ones.
It is slightly crunchy but soft enough for your baby to bite, chew, and swallow easily. It has no artificial flavors and added sugar as it is naturally sweetened with dried apples and banana flakes.
Also, it is made with 100% natural and non-GMO ingredients, making it safe and healthy to eat. Another good thing about it is that it contains fiber and Vitamin B1 to satisfy your baby's nutritional needs.
Let your little ones develop the habit of loving vegetables by introducing them at an early age. Only Organic’s contains a mixture of cauliflower, broccoli, and cheddar, which is perfect as their gateway to veggies. It has a fork-mashed texture that is suitable for kids who are just learning how to chew.
What’s great about this is that it is basically an entire meal in itself as it also contains chicken and brown rice. That way, they could have a little bit of everything. It is also very convenient as it requires no preparation. Simply squeeze the contents of the pouch onto a spoon or clean bowl.
Pronuben is a European food company that produces safe and high-quality baby food. Their packaging comes in puree cup and pouch varieties to allow busy parents to feed their babies anytime, anywhere. This particular product contains a blend of apple and banana, as well as orange juice.
This makes it an excellent source of natural fiber and vitamin C. Sigurista parents would also be pleased to know that this doesn’t contain any added sugar and preservatives, so babies can still eat healthy food, even if they have a busy schedule. Not to mention, it is Philippine FDA-approved!
From ₱130
If you haven't tried teething biscuits, perhaps you'd like to discover its goodness with Hot-Kid's Baby Mum-Mum, made especially for babies who are currently in the teething phase. Also, these are perfect to use in teaching babies how to use their pincer grasp to feed themselves.
They are crunchy but easily digestible. They dissolve in the mouth quickly, minimizing choking risks. However, they don't have a lot of nutritional benefits, so they're perfect as on-the-go and occasional snacks. Still, they are gluten, egg, nut, oil, artificial color, and preservative-free for healthy digestion.
If you've spent hours preparing and cooking your baby's food, you expect them to eat it, right? Nope! Not all the time, and don't take it personally. They're still exploring new tastes and textures, and they haven't established their food preferences during the first few months.
How to make them eat well? Make mealtimes enjoyable! No force-feeding, no gadget distractions. Talk to them, narrate to them what they're doing and eating, and engage with them. Observe and respond to their hunger and fullness cues.
Allow age-appropriate messy eating! This will help with food exploration. Let them use all their senses because before they taste and swallow the food, they have first to see, touch, smell the food.
The wait is over! In this section, Dr. Cristal answers some of the web's most asked questions, so be sure to take notes!
Microwave, when used properly, is an amazing help to cut down heating (and cooking) time in the kitchen. There are just some safety precautions we need to take note of when using it to reheat baby’s food.
Don't microwave baby foods in the jar. Instead, transfer the food to a dish before microwaving it. This is to prevent uneven heating of the food, which could cause scald burn. Also, do the heat-stir-taste technique. Microwave small portions at a time for about 15 seconds, then stir food and taste test first before serving to your baby.
Single-ingredient food should be introduced first and give this for a few days at a time. However, there's no order of foods given in a certain order, like giving veggies first over fruits. The more important thing is to eventually give a variety of food from different food groups.
This will assure that you are giving food with different vitamins and minerals. Allergenic foods like eggs, fish, nuts can also be given right away, but best to talk with your pediatrician about how and when to introduce these.
The best time to introduce solid food is when they're showing interest in food already. Are they grabbing the food from your hands? Are they playing with it? If they're interested, you can make mealtimes more enjoyable.
Knowing your child's hunger and fullness cues will teach him to listen to his body, and it will teach us to trust that he will eat. It will create a positive feeding experience and lessen the chances of having a picky eater child. No need to pressure him to eat, and no food battles at the table. Win-win for all!
Above all else, parents prioritize their baby's comfort and safety. To take care of your baby well, you'll need some of the best baby items to help you on your parenting journey. For more reliable items in taking care of your little bundle of joy, read our other articles below.
Author: Erika Nollora Ceguerra
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Beauty
Body care, Makeup, SkincareCameras
Camera supplies, Digital cameras, Drones and multirotorsHealth
Beauty supplements, Medical supplies, Feminine careHousehold goods
Air treatment, Bath and shower supplies, BlanketsPCs and laptops
Computer accessories, Computer components, Desktop pcsHome appliances and electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, Air treatment, Blenders, mixers, and food processorsFood and drinks
Alcoholic beverages, Baked goods and desserts, BakingKitchen supplies
Baking tools, Coffee and tea accessories, Food containersClothing
Brands and shops, Men's coats and jackets, Men's innerwearShoes
Men's shoes, Other shoes and footwear, Outdoor footwearAccessories
Bags, Accessories and jewelry, BeltsMom and baby
Baby books and toys, Baby food and snacks, Baby suppliesInterior and furniture
Beds, Carpets and rugs and mats, ChairsHobbies
Animes, Arts and crafts, Board gamesOutdoor
Camping beds and cots, Camping stoves, CoolersDIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Accessories, Badminton, BasketballPets
Cat supplies, Dog supplies, Fish and aquarium suppliesBooks, CDs, and DVDs
Books and magazines, CDs, Linguistics, dictionaries, and phrase booksGames
Console accessories, PC and console gamesCars and motorcycles
Car accessories, Car seats, Car suppliesGifts
Christmas-related gifts, Gifts for kids, Gifts for menHome improvement and tools
Door hardware and locks, Electrical, Gas stovesSmartphones and tablets
Smartphone accessories, Smartphones, StorageMobile data
Investment and asset management
Banking and finance
Credit cards, Debit cards, Services and appsInsurance
Car insurance, Life insurance, Medical insuranceAudio
Earphones, Gaming, HeadphonesSmartphone applications
Business apps, Dating apps, Education appsOthers
Others, Merch, Recreation